Former Astros pitcher Demel claimed by Yankees

The New York Yankees claimed former Astros pitcher Sam Demel off waivers Wednesday.

The Astros’ 40-man roster is at 38 four days before the club’s 2013 regular-season opener Sunday against the Rangers at Minute Maid Park.

The two open spots are expected to be used for spring training non-roster invites Rick Ankiel and Erik Bedard. Ankiel will be one of the Astros’ primary outfielders. Bedard’s the team’s No. 5 starting pitcher.

Demel was 1-0 with a 42.43 ERA in 2.1 innings pitched for the Astros this spring. He pitched in five games, allowing 11 earned runs and four home runs.